Flange Pin for Keeping Picture Frame Level and Method of Making

ABSTRACT

This is a piece of hardware fabricated for the purpose of keeping frames level while hanging on the wall. This small item will be attached to the back of the frame at the bottom using one of three methods, screw, pin, or Hook and Loop.

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 63/031,480, filed on May 28, 2020, and U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 63/036,629, filed on Jun. 9, 2020, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

(1) TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to framing hardware, and more specifically, to framing hardware designed to keep picture frames in a level position on a wall.

(2) BACKGROUND

The conventional method of hanging a frame on a wall secures only the top of the frame. This standard is adequate for support and hanging but has a serious drawback. The main shortcoming is that the frame has a tendency to go off-level. Often with the passing of time, the closing of doors, and average foot traffic, photos and framed pieces go off-level, looking unprofessional and in disarray.

SUMMARY

A principal object of the present disclosure is to provide framing hardware that will keep framed items level at all times, thereby keeping displays of framed art, mirrors, and the like looking professional.

A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a flange pin that will keep framed items level.

In accordance with the objects of the disclosure, a flange pin for holding a framed item level is achieved. The flange pin comprises a flange plate having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, a wall pin attached to the first side of the flange plate, and a frame attachment structure attached to the second side of the flange plate wherein the flange pin is configured to be attached to a frame and to hold the framed item in a level position.

Also in accordance with the objects of the disclosure, a method of fabricating a flange pin for holding a framed item level is achieved. A flange plate is provided having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. A wall pin is attached to the first side of the flange plate and a frame attachment structure is attached to the second side of the flange plate wherein the flange pin is configured to be attached to a frame and to hold the framed item in a level position.

Also in accordance with the objects of the disclosure, a method of holding a framed item in a level position on a wall is achieved. A flange plate is provided having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. A wall pin is attached to the first side of the flange plate. A frame attachment structure is attached to the second side of the flange plate wherein the flange pin is configured to be attached to a frame of the framed item and to hold the framed item in a level position. The frame is hung on the wall and the wall pin is driven into the wall thereby holding the framed item in a level position on the wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this description, there is shown:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the present disclosure showing the Frame Screw Option.

FIG. 2 is an aerial view of the first preferred embodiment of the present disclosure showing the Frame Screw Option.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the first preferred embodiment of the present disclosure showing the Frame Screw Option.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the present disclosure showing the Frame Pin Option.

FIG. 5 is an aerial view of the second preferred embodiment of the present disclosure showing the Frame Pin Option.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the second a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure showing the Frame Pin Option.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of the present disclosure showing the Hook and Loop fastener Option.

FIG. 8 is an aerial view of the third preferred embodiment of the present disclosure showing the Hook and Loop fastener Option.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the third preferred embodiment of the present disclosure showing the Hook and Loop fastener Option.

FIG. 10 is a back view of a frame using the device of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a frame using the Frame Screw Option of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a close-up view of the frame using the Frame Screw Option of the first preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a close-up view of the frame using the Frame Pin Option of the second preferred embodiment of the present disclosure

FIG. 14 is a close-up view of the frame using the Hook and Loop fastener Option of the third preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes framing hardware used for the displaying of art, photos and the like. More specifically, this is a fabricated piece designed to keep picture frames in a level position once they have been hung on the wall. The framing hardware will be constructed of a sheet metal and/or plastic material. The flange will have a Wall Pin on one side and a Frame Screw (or pin) attached on the opposite side. The Wall Pin will attach to the wall and the Frame Screw (or pin) will attach to the frame.

This is a detailed description of a flange pin for keeping frames level. The drawings show three options for the disclosure. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the flange pin of the first preferred embodiment of the present disclosure using the Frame Screw Option, showing the Flange 1 with the Wall Pin 2, and the Frame Screw 3. FIG. 2 is an aerial view of the flange pin using the Frame Screw Option, showing the Flange 1 and the Frame Screw 3. FIG. 3 is a side view of the flange pin using the Frame Screw Option, showing the Flange 1, the Wall Pin 2, and the Frame Screw 3.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of the present disclosure using the Frame Pin Option, showing the Flange 1, the Wall Pin 2, and the Frame Pin 4. FIG. 5 is an aerial view of the flange pin using the Frame Pin Option, showing the Flange 1 and the Wall Pin 4. FIG. 6 is a side view of the flange pin using the Frame Pin Option, showing the Flange 1, the Wall Pin 2, and the Frame Pin 4.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of the present disclosure using the Hook and Loop fastener Option, showing the Flange 1, the Wall Pin 2, and Hook 5 and Loop 6 fastener. FIG. 8 is an aerial view of the flange pin using the Hook and Loop fastener Option, showing the Flange 1 and Hook 5 and Loop 6 fastener. FIG. 9 is a side view of the flange pin using the Hook and Loop fastener, showing the Flange 1, the Wall Pin 2, and Hook 5 and Loop 6 fastener.

FIG. 10 is a back view of a frame 7 with a wire hanger 8 across the top of the frame which is connected to the frame by two screws 9. Also shown is the placement of the flange pin at, preferably, the center bottom 10 of the back of the picture frame. The disclosed device could also be connected at various other locations at the back of the picture frame and could in fact be located anywhere on the back of the frame. In addition, a user may connect two or more of the disclosed devices to the back of the picture frame, to provide even more stability than a single device.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a frame 7 attached by the wire hanger 8 to a Wall 11 with a nail 12 at the top. The flange pin 1 of the first embodiment of the present disclosure is indicated at the bottom of the frame 7. The Frame Screw Option of the flange pin is shown, with the Flange 1, the Wall Pin 2, and the Frame Screw 3. The Frame Screw 3 is screwed into the frame 7. The wall pin 2 has a sharp point on its end that is pushed into the wall 11 so as to hold the frame in a level position on the wall. FIG. 12 is a close-up image of the disclosure using the Frame Screw Option showing a frame 7, a wall 11. the Flange 1, the Wall Pin 2, and the Frame Screw 3. Pushing on the front of the frame opposite the attached flange pin will push the wall pin 2 into the wall.

FIG. 13 is a close-up of the second embodiment of the present disclosure using the Frame Pin Option, showing a frame 7, a Wall 11, the Flange 1, the Wall Pin 2, and the Frame Pin 4. In this embodiment, the pointed end of the frame pin 4 is pushed into the frame and then the wall pin 2 is pushed into the wall so as to hold the frame in a level position on the wall.

FIG. 14 is a close-up of the third embodiment of the present disclosure using the Hook and Loop fastener Option, showing a frame 7, a wall 11, the Wall Pin 2, and Hook 5 and Loop 6 fastener. In this embodiment, a back side of the loop fastener 6 is attached to the frame 7, preferably by its own adhesive backing. The hook portion 5 of the fastener attached to the flange 1 is fastened to the loop portion 6 on the frame 7 and the wall pin 2 is pushed into the wall so as to hold the frame in a level position on the wall.

The Flange Pin is constructed of two pins (Frame Pin Option) or one screw and one pin (Frame Screw Option) both on an approximately thumb-sized plate or flange which is made of metal such as tin, brass, or iron, or molded or fabricated flexible tough or durable material, such as celluloid or any plastic. The Flange Pin will permit one pin to be driven into the back bottom of the wooden or permeable picture frame or the like and the other pin on the other side of the plate (flange) to be driven into a wall using thumbs. In the first option (FIG. 1-3), a screw is attached or welded onto one side of the plate (flange). This screw is to be driven into the back bottom of the picture frame. In the second option (FIGS. 4-6), two pins are attached or welded to opposite sides of the plate (flange). The pin and screw or pin and pin can be separately welded or attached to the plate (flange) for thumb pressing.

Alternatively, the pin and pin or pin and screw can be molded or fabricated in one piece, put through the hole located in the center of the plate (flange) for thumb pressing, and then these two pieces can be welded together.

In the third option (FIGS. 7-9), the Hook and Loop fastener Option, a pin is attached or welded onto one side of the plate (flange) and the hook portion of a hook and loop fastener piece is glued or pre-glued onto the opposite side of the plate (flange). The loop fastener portion will be attached to the picture frame.

While the disclosed subject matter has been described in conjunction with a number of embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations would be, or are, apparent to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. Accordingly, Applicant intends to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations that are within the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter and the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A flange pin for holding a framed item level comprising: a flange plate having a first side and a second side opposite to said first side; a wall pin attached to said first side of said flange plate; and a frame attachment structure attached to said second side of said flange plate wherein said flange pin is configured to be attached to a frame and to hold said framed item in a level position.
 2. The flange pin according to claim 1 wherein said frame attachment structure is a frame pin and wherein said flange pin is configured to be attached to said frame by driving said pin into said frame.
 3. The flange pin according to claim 1 wherein said frame attachment structure is a screw and wherein said flange pin is configured to be attached to said frame by driving said screw into said frame.
 4. The flange pin according to claim 1 wherein said frame attachment structure is a hook and loop fastener.
 5. The flange pin according to claim 4 wherein a hook portion of said hook and loop fastener is attached to said second side of said flange plate and wherein a loop portion of said loop fastener is attached to said frame and wherein said flange pin is configured to be attached to said frame by fastening said loop portion to said hook portion of said hook and loop fastener.
 6. The flange pin according to claim 1 wherein said flange plate comprises metal or a molded or fabricated flexible and durable material.
 7. The flange pin according to claim 1 wherein said wall pin is configured to be driven into a wall to hold said framed item in said level position on said wall.
 8. A method of fabricating a flange pin for holding a framed item level comprising: providing a flange plate having a first side and a second side opposite to said first side; attaching a wall pin to said first side of said flange plate; and attaching a frame attachment structure to said second side of said flange plate wherein said flange pin is configured to be attached to a frame and to hold said framed item in a level position.
 9. The method according to claim 8 wherein aid attaching said wall pin is by welding said wall pin to said flange plate.
 10. The method according to claim 8 wherein said frame attachment structure is a frame pin and said attaching said frame pin is by welding said frame pin to said flange plate.
 11. The method according to claim 8 wherein said frame attachment structure is a screw and said attaching said screw is by welding said screw to said flange plate.
 12. The method according to claim 10 comprising: molding or fabricating said wall pin and said frame pin in one piece; inserting said one piece through a hole in said flange pin; and welding said one piece to said flange plate wherein said wall pin protrudes from said first side of said flange plate and said frame pin protrudes from said second side of said flange plate.
 13. The method according to claim 11 comprising: molding or fabricating said wall pin and said screw in one piece; inserting said one piece through a hole in said flange pin; and welding said one piece to said flange plate wherein said wall pin protrudes from said first side of said flange plate and said screw protrudes from said second side of said flange plate.
 14. The method according to claim 8 wherein said frame attachment structure is a hook and loop fastener and said attaching comprises gluing or pre-gluing a hook portion of said hook and loop fastener to said second side of said flange plate.
 15. The flange pin according to claim 8 wherein said flange plate comprises metal or a molded or fabricated flexible and durable material.
 16. A method of holding a framed item in a level position on a wall comprising: providing a flange plate having a first side and a second side opposite to said first side; attaching a wall pin to said first side of said flange plate; and attaching a frame attachment structure to said second side of said flange plate wherein said flange pin is configured to be attached to a frame of said framed item and to hold said framed item in a level position; hanging said frame on said wall; and driving said wall pin into said wall thereby holding said framed item in a level position on said wall.
 17. The method according to claim 16 wherein said frame attachment structure is a frame pin and wherein said flange pin is configured to be attached to said frame by driving said pin into said frame.
 18. The method according to claim 16 wherein said frame attachment structure is a screw and wherein said flange pin is configured to be attached to said frame by driving said screw into said frame.
 19. The method according to claim 16 wherein said frame attachment structure is a hook and loop fastener.
 20. The method pin according to claim 19 wherein a hook portion of said hook and loop fastener is attached to said second side of said flange plate and wherein a loop portion of said loop fastener is attached to said frame and wherein said flange pin is configured to be attached to said frame by fastening said loop portion to said hook portion of said hook and loop fastener. 